Apparatus and method for training base runners

ABSTRACT

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for training base runners comprises at least one base incorporating means for identifying optimum location on the top of the base for base runners to strike the base with their foot while crossing en route to a next base and means for producing audible signals whenever the base is struck properly to notify the runner that the base was stepped on at the correct location, further including an ability to prevent generation of an audible signal whenever a base runner fails to strike any base with his foot at its proper location while running the bases.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/643,752 filedJan. 13, 2005, titled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRAINING BASE RUNNERS,”which is referred to and incorporated herein in its entirety by thisreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to base running training aids. More specifically,this application relates to an apparatus and method for teaching baserunners how to step and go round a base path efficiently and rapidly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Since the inception of the games of baseball and softball, the bases andgeneral dimensions and layouts of the playing fields have remainedsubstantially unchanged. Conventional bases used in the game of softballor baseball are typically 14 or 15 inches square, between 2 to 5 inchesthick, and white in color. The bases are padded and covered with canvasor other material made to withstand the rough usage frequentlyencountered in the games.

In major league baseball, for example, a distance of 90 feet existsbetween home plate and first base. For the last 45 feet down the basepath between home plate and first base, a 3-foot wide running lane isprovided outside the foul line or base line. Once a batter hits theball, he becomes a base runner with the objective of running to firstbase, second base, third base, and then home plate, in an attempt scorea run for his team.

In softball, a distance of between 50 and 65 feet exists between homeplate and first base. In little league baseball, a distance of 60 feetexists between home plate and first base. In each of these fieldconfigurations, effective base running is important to success of ateam. The following overview applies equally to major league baseball,softball and little league.

After hitting the ball, the batter becomes a base runner and has but oneobjective: to reach home plate and score a run for his team. When firstsetting out toward first base, a base runner will swing wide to theright into the first base running lane to begin a turn to second whileattempting to maintain maximum running speed. Generally, the runner willreach top speed over the 55 to 90 feet between home plate and firstbase. Consequently, regardless of the runner's size, a great deal ofmomentum has been created by the runner's velocity which will tend tocarry the runner either in a straight line or in a very wide arc acrossfirst base, as he attempts to re-direct his travel to second base. Inall circumstances, the runner is trying to get to the next base beforethe fielders are able to relay the ball to another player at that basein an attempt to tag the runner out.

On the standard playing field, each subsequent base path is oriented atright angles to the preceding base path. The geometrically shortestdistance between each base is a straight line between those bases.However, this shortest distance between the bases is not the path thatdelivers the fastest time between bases.

Whenever a runner is turning across one base en route to a subsequentbase, the runner cannot physically accomplish an exact 90 degree turn ateach base without losing significant running speed. Consequently, anefficient base runner will strive to make the most aggressive turn ateach base, staying as tight to the base path as possible, while avoidingexcessive loss of speed.

Optimum base running involves running at top speed while maintainingmaximum momentum as each base is rounded. Top speed is maintained by arunner when he can bank into each turn at each base. An effective runnerwill use the raised portion at the inside corner of each base to makethe best, high-speed turn possible, maintaining momentum and maximumspeed toward each successive base.

Base running as a skill is frequently very underrated, especially inyouth baseball or softball. However, some coaches believe a youth teamcan get one to three extra runs per game using effective base runningtechniques. Seasoned base running coaches recognize that a runner's baserunning technique must make effective use of the insider corner of eachbase to reach each subsequent base in the shortest time possible,beating the throw of the ball to the base.

The subtleties of effective base running take time and frequentrepetition to master. Consequently, it is important to teach baseballand softball players proper base running technique at an early age andcontinue that training throughout their playing career. As a player agesand grows, his height, weight, gait, running speed, and leg strengthchange. Consequently, the player must continually practice his baserunning techniques to accommodate these changes.

As a player reaches maturity and is able to run at maximum speed,thereby creating maximum momentum, it becomes even more critical thatthe player make his turn at each base optimally. He must carry the rightamount of speed through the base; he must use the right amount of inwardand forward lean; he must guide his running line to create the optimumturn radius; he must strike the inside corner of the base with theappropriate level of force; he must adjust his gait and stride length toallow striking the base firmly in stride; he must push off the baseaggressively but without losing traction; he must carry enough speed tomove rapidly around the bases; he must not carry so much speed that heis unable to make a tight turn, and, he must be prepared to make anoptimum turn at first, second and third base without stopping, ifnecessary. Learning how to perform all the above actions effectivelyrequires practice. Unfortunately, depending on the age of the playersand the available practice time, little time may be spent by a coachteaching base running; in favor of teaching other basic skills likebatting, fielding, catching and throwing. Consequently, the provision ofa base running training aid that can be used independently and correctlyby players after normal practice to refine their skills, without thepresence of a coach, is very desirable.

Existing bases are white, blank palettes with no visual cues tocommunicate to a novice or more experienced base runner the optimum“inside corner” base running technique, which requires proper placementof the runner's foot on each base's inside corner. Many youths, whenthey first start to run bases, presume that they are supposed to step oneach base in its middle to make sure that contact is made. By trial anderror, they can eventually learn that stepping in the middle of thebases is not the best method for running the bases quickly.Surprisingly, even a number of inexperienced coaches in youth leaguesare not familiar with proper base running techniques and provideincorrect instruction to their players.

A base running training apparatus and method capable of assisting acoach in teaching the following base running fundamentals is verydesirable, particularly for younger players.

First, after striking the ball and beginning his acceleration to firstbase, a batter will look down the first base line toward first base andthe first base coach to determine if he should begin to setup a turn forrunning to second base. If the runner is directed by his coach or seesan opportunity to head to second base, the runner should begin abanana-shaped turn about half way down the base line toward first base.Then, as the runner rounds first base, leaning inward to the inside ofthe base path, he will attempt to maintain the arc of the banana turn atmaximum speed by adjusting his gait to strike the inside corner of firstbase with his preferred foot. The base runner will use the inside basecorner as a foot plant to support an aggressive left turn toward secondbase.

An effective base runner seeks to avoid running too far out of thestraight line base path between first and second. When the base runneris running hard to first base, the runner's momentum can carry him outin a wider arc if the runner does not effectively use the inside cornerof the base as a foot plant to help him make his left turn toward secondbase. An improper foot plant elsewhere on the base, off the insidecorner of the base, can cause the runner's momentum to carry him in amuch wider arc, substantially increasing the distance the base runnermust travel between first base and second base. Greater distancetraveled at an equivalent speed will cause the runner's time betweenbases to increase, thereby increasing the probability that the ball willreach the base before the runner, allowing the runner to be tagged outby the opposing team's fielder.

Likewise, if a runner is headed to second base and intends to roundsecond base efficiently to head to third base, it is again mostefficient to strike the insider corner of second base with his preferredfoot, using a proper foot plant on the insider corner of the base as ameans of more aggressively turning to the left toward third base withoutlosing speed. Again, the base runner seeks to make the tightest turnpossible toward third base, proscribing a shorter and tighter arc alongthe base path, while avoiding the loss of running speed.

Similarly, this same inner leaning base running technique is used whenrounding third base en route to home plate. The base runner should onceagain endeavor to strike the inside corner of third base with hispreferred foot and use the inside corner as a foot plant to turnaggressively to the left and spring toward home plate. Again, the runnerhopes to reach home plate before the ball, generating another run forhis team.

In essence, the runner uses the inside corner of each base as a foothold or platform to gain traction while rounding each base and to assistin accelerating to the next base. As the runner hits each base, thecorner of the base is substantially compressed, which improves thetraction at the bottom of the runner's foot. It would be helpful intraining for base running if a runner could be signaled whenever hemakes a successful, optimum turn at each base, using an inside cornerfoot plant. It would be further helpful if, in training, a base includeda visual target at the insider corner location which the base runnercould use for aligning his running path and timing his step to make thedesired foot plant on the inside left corner of each base.

Several patents are found in the prior art which describe complexsignaling systems which are primarily intended to assist the umpire inmaking accurate calls. None of these patents is directed toward teachingproper base running techniques to a base runner. They are primarilyintended to provide some indication of whether the fielder or the runnerreaches the base first. In most cases, the inventions are primarilyconcerned with identifying who wins the race to first base, not secondor third. These patents also do not provide a complete method forteaching base running along the entire base path at first, second andthird base.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,440,042 entitled “Indicating System ForBaseball Games” issued to Friedman on Apr. 20, 1948, describes a systemfor determining whether a first baseman's foot or the base runner's footis first to touch first base. The invention is complex, including manyplungers deployed throughout the base. The plungers are serving aselectrical switches to turn indicator lights on and off. Magnets in boththe shoe of the first baseman and the base runner affect the directionof travel of the plungers. The magnets in the shoes of the first basemanand the base runner are oppositely polarized to cause the switchplungers to travel in different directions. Depending on the directionof travel of the plunger, either a green light or red light isilluminated to indicate whose foot first touched the base. Although thisbase provides a signal for touching the base, it does not provide anymeans by which to train a base runner to step on a certain portion ofthe base. Further, its system and operation is complex. Additionally, itrequires special shoes to distinguish between fielders and runners. Theadded weight of magnets in the sole of a base runner's shoe willcertainly not optimize the runner's speed. Further, the Friedman systemrequires that players have two sets of shoes which they must changebetween innings. Again, the underlying purpose of Friedman's system issimply to address whether the runner was safe or out at first base, notto assist in training a base runner to effectively round first, secondor third base. Friedman's device would generate a signal regardless ofwhere the base was touched by the runner.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2,298,689, entitled “Electrical Detector Base,” issuedon Oct. 13, 1942 to Ferris, a base signaling device is describedcomprising spring-loaded contacts on a plunger intended to cause amechanical or electrical bell to ring, again creating an audible signalindicating that a runner has touched and depressed the base. The Ferrispatent is also intended to generate an audible indicator for benefit ofthe umpire to use to judge close plays. The Ferris device would notprovide any indication to a runner of whether he had optimally crossedthe base and touched the base at the optimum location. The Ferris devicewould create a signal regardless of where the base was touched by therunner or fielder.

In U.S. Pat. No. 1,066,773, entitled “Signal Base for Base Ball Fields,”issued on Jul. 8, 1913 to Wills, a spring-load, hinged, multipart baseoperating based upon depression by a fielder or runner causes electricalcontacts to close to ring an electrical bell when the plate is struck bya runner or fielder. Again, this patent is intended to aid the umpire indetermining whether the runner reaches first base before the ballreaches the first-baseman's glove. The Wills assembly would not beuseful in teaching a runner effective high-speed base runningtechniques. It does not let a runner know if the based was stepped on atthe optimum location while turning to run to the next base.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 727,633, entitled “Electric Base-BallRegister” issued on May 12, 1903 to Humphreys, a device is describedthat is once again intended to aid the umpire in determining whether therunner reaching first is safe or out. The Humphreys device was intendedto secure honest decisions by umpires that might be partial to aparticular team and decide close calls in favor of runners of that teamor against the runners of the opposing team. The Humphreys deviceincluded several metal plates laid around the first base and variousbuttons that could be depressed to cause a bell to ring by closing anelectrical circuit. The bell would ring if the first baseman receivedthe ball in his glove, closing a first switch in the first baseman'sglove, and the first baseman's foot was simultaneously touching firstbase. The base runner could actually prevent the bell from ringing byreaching first base and stepping on the base to break the circuit whichwould cause the bell to ring. Again, establishing a signal indicatingfavorable positioning of the runner's foot on the base was not a purposeof this signaling device.

U.S. Pat. No. 311,278, entitled “Indicator for Base Ball or CricketFields,” issued on Jan. 27, 1885 to Williams describes a complexmechanical system that generates an audible signal by depressing aspring-loaded plunger to close an electrical circuit, causing a bell toring. The purpose of this device is once again to signal the umpire whenthe base runner steps on first base so that the umpire can hopefullyjudge accurately whether the runner is safe or out. The device does notdescribe an apparatus for teaching proper base running techniques.

Even as early as Dec. 14, 1875, U.S. Pat. No. 171,038, entitled“Base-Ball Base,” was issued to O'Neill describing another complexmechanism adapted to a base which would cause a mechanical plunger toswing a weight to rap against a bell housing placed in a box locatedunder the base, creating an audible signal that first base had beendepressed.

Throughout the prior art, examples of attempts to create effectivesignaling mechanisms to aid an umpire in calling a play at first baseare described. However, none of these attempts are directed to providingan apparatus for effectively training base runners to optimize theirbase running techniques, by providing visual and audible cues to therunner that his foot placement is proper.

Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus that can be used to teachproper base running techniques to players of all ages, sizes andexperience.

Additionally, a need exists for an apparatus to teach effective baserunning that can be used by a base runner for optimizing base runningtechnique without the presence of a coach.

Further, a need exists for a base running training apparatus that isdurable, reliable and low cost.

Still further, a need exists for a base running training apparatus thatwill cause youthful base runners to enjoy repeated use by creating agame-like experience.

Yet still further, a need exists for a base running training apparatusthat cause the base runner to learn to step on a base at the optimumlocation while rounding the base.

Even further, a need exists for a base running training apparatus whereaudible signals can be generated to let a base runner, at full strideand speed, know whether he has properly touched the base at the optimuminsider corner location.

Additionally, a base running training apparatus is needed to assistinexperienced coaches in more easily teaching effective base runningtechniques, avoiding the establishment of improper base runningtechniques in players at an early age.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present inventioninclude:

(a) providing a base running training apparatus for providing relevantvisual and audible cues as to the runner's base running effectiveness,

(b) providing such a base running training apparatus that is simple inits structure and easy to maintain, allowing use by coaches or playersof all ages and experience,

(c) providing a base running training apparatus that can be manufacturedfor little cost allowing the maximum number of youths to more readilyuse the apparatus,

(d) providing a base running training apparatus that is simple to useand easily understood even by younger players,

(e) providing a base running training apparatus that can be incorporatedin all forms of bases, regardless of underlying construction and,

(f) providing a base running training apparatus for use by inexperiencedcoaches to improve base running instructional methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for training baserunners comprises at least one base incorporating means for identifyingoptimum location on the top of the base for base runners to tag the basewhile crossing the base en route to a subsequent base and means forproducing audible signals to notify the runner that the base was steppedon at the correct location. Lack of an audible signal when runningacross the base will likewise notify the runner that he did not crossand step on the base at the optimum location while running the basepath.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a standard base incorporating theenunciator and being actuated by a base runner, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a base, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cutaway of the enunciator of the system within abase, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the nozzle of the enunciator with a screen protector,according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the enunciator of the system within a base,illustrating the compressive actuation of the enunciator, according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a base, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of the system deployed on a ball diamond,according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

List of Numbered Elements

-   -   base 2    -   inside corner 4    -   a side wall 6    -   filling 8    -   base running training apparatus 10    -   visual target 20    -   enunciator 30    -   bellows portion 40    -   nozzle 50    -   mouth 52    -   screen 54    -   interior throat 56    -   port 60    -   grommet 70    -   emitter 80.    -   vibratory aperture 82    -   exemplary diamond deployment configuration 100    -   diamond D

A first embodiment of the system of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1. Generally, a base running training apparatus 10 includes a base2 having a visual target 20 (see FIG. 2) on the base 2 at an insidecorner 4, which corner 4 is normally oriented toward the inside of theplay field base path when in use. Referring to FIG. 3, an enunciator 30is disposed within the base 2 at the inside corner 4 of the base 2. Theenunciator 30 includes a bellows portion 40 and nozzle 50. The nozzle 50communicates to a port 60 which penetrates a side wall 6 of the base 2.A grommet 70 circumscribes the port 60. Referring to FIG. 5, an emitter80 located within the nozzle 50 is used to generate an audible signal.Whenever a runner steps on the base 2 at the inside corner 4 at thelocation of the visual target 20, the insider corner 4 of the base 2 iscompressed, causing the enunciator 30 to emit an audible signal which isemitted from the port 60.

In further detail and referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus includes avisual target 20 located on the base 2 at a top insider corner 4 in thearea generally directly above the location of the enunciator 30. Thevisual target 20 provides a focal point for a base runner while movingtoward the base 2 at high speed. The visual target 20 may be of anyshape such as a doughnut, as shown in FIG. 2. Any other symbology,including logos, characters, icons, team mascot figures, team logos orother graphic symbols, properly placed on the top insider corner 4 ofthe base 2 may be used as long as the symbol provides a runner with avisible target for proper foot placement while running the base.

In greater detail and referring to FIG. 3, a cut-away of the base 2 isshown at the location of the inside corner 4, illustrating the placementand orientation of the enunciator 30. The enunciator 30 includes abellows portion 40. The bellows portion 40 serves as a flexible,compressible, refillable air reservoir. A nozzle 50 extends outwardlyfrom the bellows 40. A port 60, located in the side wall 6 of the base2, is sized to centrally receive the nozzle 50. The port 60 completelypenetrates the side wall 6 of the base to allow audible signalsgenerated via the enunciator 30 to not be muffled, and instead, bemaximum volume. A preferably circular grommet 70 circumscribes theperiphery of the port 60 and is sized to receive and secure the nozzle50 within the port 60 in the side wall 6 of the base 2.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the nozzle portion 50 of the enunciator 30 isshown in greater detail. The nozzle 50 includes a mouth 52. A screen 54is placed over and covers the mouth 52 to prevent dirt, dust and otherdebris from clogging the nozzle 50 which could prevent the enunciator 30from generating an audible signal when compressed. The nozzle 50includes an interior throat 56 through which compressed air can travelfrom the bellows portion 40 to the port 60.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-section of the enunciator 30 disposedwithin the interior of the base 2 is shown. The enunciator 30 issurrounded by filling 8 of the base 2. Filling of the base can be foamrubber, wood wool or other similar compressible material of the typenormally used in conventional bases. Consequently, whenever the top ofthe base 2 is compressed by the downward strike of a runner's foot, thebellows portion 40 of the enunciator 30 is likewise compressed. Thenozzle 50 of the enunciator 30 further includes a preferably circularinterior throat 56. The throat 56 is sized to receive an emitter 80. Theemitter 70 includes a vibratory aperture 82 for creating an audiblesignal whenever air is forced outward through the aperture 82.

The port 60 for securely receiving the nozzle 50 is circumscribed by thecircular grommet 70, reinforcing the port 60 and preventing fraying ofthe base side wall 6 which might occur from frequent use. The dustscreen 54 is placed over the mouth 52 of the nozzle 50 and securelysandwiched between the nozzle 50 and the grommet 70 to hold the nozzle50 at its proper location in the port 60. FIG. 6 provides a bottomperspective view of a typical base 2, illustrating the placement of theenunciator 30 in the insider corner 4 of the base 2.

In operation, when the top of the base 2 at the location of the visualtarget 20 located above the position of enunciator 30 is depressed bythe action of a runner's foot strike, the flexible bellows portion 40 ofthe enunciator 30 is likewise compressed, causing air to pass throughthe aperture 82 of the emitter 80 within the throat 56 of the nozzle 50.As air passes through the aperture 82, an audible signal is createdwhich will signal the base runner that the base 2 was struck at theproper location while crossing en route to the next base 2. Once therunner's foot has left the base 2, the base 2 returns to its normalshape, allowing the bellows portion 40 of the enunciator 30 to alsoreturn to its normal shape. As the bellows 40 returns to its normalshape, the increased volume of the bellows 40 creates negative pressure,drawing air back through the aperture 82 and refilling the bellowsportion 40 of the enunciator 30. The enunciator 30 is then ready forsubsequent activation by the next base runner.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a deployment configuration and method 100 foruse of the apparatus 10 as a complete base running training aid isdescribed. FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of the infield of a standardplaying field, or, diamond D. Three enunciator-equipped bases 2according to the apparatus 10 of the present invention are deployed atthe normal locations reserved for first, second and third base on thediamond D. The bases 2 are oriented at installation so that the visualtarget 20 of each base 2 is located toward the interior of the diamondD, closest to the pitcher's mound. Although shown as including threebases 2, a coach may elect to use just one base 2 to emphasizepracticing a run down the first base line and turning to second base,which is considered a critical first element of successful base running.

In practice, a base runner runs the bases 2 at high speed, attempting tostep on the visual target 20 on the top inside corner 4 of each base 2with his preferred foot. As the base runner successfully touches eachbase 2 at the insider corner 4, the enunciator 30 is caused to emit anaudible signal notifying the runner that the base 2 was stepped on in anoptimum location at the visual target 20. Where the base runner fails tostep on the inside corner 4 of each base 2, and instead, steps on otherareas of each base 2, the enunciator 30 will not generate an audiblesignal, letting the runner know that he failed to touch any base 2 atthe optimum location at the visual target 20 on each base 2. Lack ofsignal will suggest that the runner's time around the bases 2 is morethan the optimum time and hence, can be improved.

In an alternative embodiment, according to the present invention, a baserunning training apparatus includes an electronic motion detectionenunciator, preferably deployed within an inner corner of a base. Themotion detection enunciator consists of a means for detecting motion,means for signaling the presence of motion and means for identifying arunner producing the motion.

Preferably, the means for detecting motion is comprised of aradiofrequency (“RF”) signal motion detection device. A firsttransmitter of the motion detection device continually radiates a shortRF burst, generally known as an ultra-wide band burst, and is responsiveto the Doppler Effect for moving objects. Returning echoes mix with thetransmit burst to produce a detectable Doppler beat frequency. Echoesarriving after the transmit burst ends do not get mixed and there is noresponse; the echoes are outside the “range gate”. Interpretation of theDoppler beat frequency provides information that determines the presenceof an object and the motion of that object within a predefined space.

Adjustment of the transmit RF burst width defines the maximum sensingdistance. Generally, the RF sensing distance for detection of properplacement of a runner's foot atop the inner corner of the base will beset to correspond with the very top of the base, sufficient to detectwhen a runner steps in the desired spot. As measured from the very innerlower corner of the base, the detection zone of the first transmitterwill usually have an approximate size of 4 inches high, 4 inches longand 3 inches wide. Required power for the detector is generally between3 to 16 volts at 5 to 15 milliamps. Consequently, required power may beprovided by batteries, a direct electrical connection, fuel cells orother similar energy delivery devices.

A second RF transmitter provides gross motion detection. The secondtransmitter supplements the data collected by the first transmitter forsensing specific presence of a runner's foot at the desired inner cornerof a base, by detecting gross motion of an entire runner's body inproximity to the base. This gross motion detection transmitter sensesthe runner's presence and orientation as he rounds the base, providingadditional relevant data including runner speed and physical attitudewith forward and inward lean.

A third radiofrequency transmitter for data communication isincorporated within the same housing as the first and second motiondetector transmitters/receivers. Although other radiofrequency protocolsmay be used, the present invention preferably relies on ultra-wide bandtransmission to minimize interference during operation. The datatransmitter relays signals to an external data collection system, suchas a personal digital assistant, a lap top computer or other type ofdata storage, processing and display unit. Before a runner beginstesting, the operator of the system can enter an identification code forthe runner.

A fourth radiofrequency transmitter/receiver for identifying aparticular runner is also incorporated in the apparatus. A runner isprovided with a radiofrequency identification tag, hereinafter an RFIDtag, which correlates to a previously entered runner identificationcode. The RFID tag is housed in a thin, sealed plastic envelope which islocated on the runner's body. Preferably, the RFID tag will be placed inthe heel of the runner's shoe.

As each runner passes a base, the RFID transmitter/receiver causes theRFID tag to be energized. The RFID tag in the runner's shoe then sends acoded signal to the RFID transmitter/receiver. The data transmitter ofthe system then causes all subsequent data relayed to the datacollection system to be associated with that particular identificationcode, until such time as another runner crosses the base, causing a newidentification code to be logged by the system. This RFID module allowsa one or more players to be running the bases continuously whilecollecting data specific to each runner.

The data collection system is then able to display various runningperformance results to users or trainers to allow an analysis of therunner's technique and base running performance. The data collectionsystem will signal whether each runner touched each base in the optimumlocation, what each runner's speed was while rounding the base, whateach runner's time and speed is between bases, and what each runner'sphysical orientation was as he rounds the base, e.g., the amount ofinward and forward lean.

As each runner rounds the bases, he can be notified by the systemwhether he is improving his performance by the type of sound emitted bythe enunciator. Additionally, the runner can set certain base runninggoals by entering the goals into the system. The system can then causean appropriate sound to be emitted by the enunciator indicating therunner's performance in relation to the set goals. For example,different frequency sounds can be emitted to signal whether the runneris greatly exceeding, exceeding, meeting, almost meeting, far frommeeting or very far from meeting the set goals.

As will be recognized, other standards of comparison in relation to thegoals set or the comparative player/runner selected may be establishedin the system. The system can be set to change time/speed goals. Thesystem can also be modified to analyze specific running situations,including running from home to first only, stealing from first tosecond, stealing from second to third, stealing from third to home,running from home to second, home to third, and, home to home. Thisreal-time signaling and feedback system is intended to allow the runnerto set certain goals. The system also provides an ability to determinethe individual player's weak spots and provides suggestions foraddressing those areas which will improve the runner's speed.

The collected data may be analyzed by the data system to identifyopportunities for corrective adjustment of the player's base runningtechnique. In addition, the data system allows comparisons of theplayer's times and techniques against the times and techniques of otherpeers, teammates, league players, professional players, and major leaguestars, for example. The system also provides a comparative animated,three dimensional display of the individual player's base runningtechniques against those other runners. This feedback system willprovide a tool by which runners can clearly identify the basic, obviousor subtle changes that need to be made to their base running techniquesto optimize their base running performance.

Although generally housed within the base itself, in a furtherembodiment, the motion detection base running training apparatus mayalso be housed in a container located beneath the inner corner of thebase, rather than inside the base. In this configuration, the containerhousing the apparatus is buried beneath the inner corner of the base toa depth of 6 to 10 inches. The sensing range of the device is set toallow detection of a foot placed atop the inner corner of the base,providing a sensing range requirement of approximately 8 to 13 inches.The sensing range requirement is driven by the depth of burial of themotion detection apparatus and the thickness of the base. In a buriedconfiguration, a direct electrical feed to the apparatus using buriedelectrical cable may be used to power the system, although batteries,fuel cells or other similar energy delivery devices are appropriate.

In all preferred embodiments of the system and devices that aredescribed herein and that affect the method which, together with thosedevices forms the subject matter of this invention, it is to beunderstood that these preferred embodiments of the invention are onlymeant to be examples of the principal features of the invention. Each ofthe illustrations contains features of preferred embodiments, but it isto be understood that some of these features could be incorporated intothe other preferred embodiments and features deleted from thosepreferred embodiments or both.

While the invention has been described above in connection with theparticular embodiments and examples, one skilled in the art willappreciate that the invention is not necessarily so limited. It willthus be understood that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses,modifications of, and departures from the teachings disclosed may bemade, without departing from the scope of the present invention asclaimed herein.

1. An apparatus for training base runners comprising: a. at least onebase, b. a desired base runner stepping location on said at least onebase, c. a means for creating an audible signal whenever said desiredstepping location of the at least one base is stepped on by a runner; 2.The apparatus of claim 1 further including a visual target indicatordeployed on said at least one base at said desired stepping location; 3.The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said visual target indicator is agraphic symbol including logos, characters, icons, team mascot figures,or team logos;
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 further including anenunciator disposed within said at least one base underneath said visualtarget indicator;
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said enunciatorincludes manual activation means triggered by pressure of a runner'sfoot striking said at least one base;
 6. The apparatus of claim 4wherein said enunciator includes motion detection activations meanswherein said enunciator is activated by the detection of motion of arunner's foot;
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said motion detectionactivation means includes a radiofrequency energy motion detectionsensor;
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said radiofrequency motiondetection sensor is located beneath said at least one base;
 9. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein said pressure-activated enunciator furthercomprises: a. a compressible bellows portion, b. a nozzle portion havinga mouth and a throat, c. a noise emitter, d. said nozzle portionconnected to and extending outwardly from said bellows portions, e. saidnozzle throat sized to receive and hold said noise emitter, f. wherebythe compression of said bellows portion by pressure of a runner's footon said at least one base at said desired stepping location causes airto be forced through said noise emitter, thereby causing an audiblesignal to be generated by said enunciator.
 10. A method for trainingbase runners comprising the steps of: a. deployment of at least onebase, wherein said at least one base includes means for creating anaudible signal, b. locating said audible signal creating means at apreferred stepping location on said at least one base, wherein saidpreferred stepping location is the inside corner of said at least onebase, c. having a base runner run across and step on the base in orderto create a turn; d. wherein when said base runner steps on saidpreferred stepping location, e. thereby causing said signal creatingmeans to generate an audible signal, and, f. wherein when said baserunner fails to step on said preferred stepping location, g. therebycausing said signal creating means to not generate an audible signal;11. The method of claim 10 wherein said audible signal creating means isa pressure-driven enunciator;
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein saidaudible signal creating means further includes a motion detectionsensor;
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said motion detection sensortriggers an electronic enunciator when a runner's foot is detected atsaid preferred stepping location;
 14. The method of claim 12 whereinsaid motion detection sensor uses ultrawideband radar radiofrequency todetect motion;
 15. The method of claim 12 further including the earlierstep of burying said motion detection sensor in the ground beneath saidat least one base prior to the step of deployment of said at least onebase;
 16. The method described in claim 10 further including the stepsof a. deploying three bases on a playfield in standard locations forfirst, second and third base, b. directing base runners to run along thebase path of the play field while attempting to strike each of saidthree bases with their preferred foot at the preferred stepping locationon each of said three bases;
 17. An apparatus for training base runnerscomprising a. at least one base, b. a desired base runner steppinglocation on said at least one base, c. a motion detection sensor locatedat an inside corner of said at least one base at said stepping location,d. means for creating an audible signal whenever said motion detectionsensor senses the foot of a base runner in a proper position at saidpreferred stepping location, and, e. means for not creating an audiblesignal whenever said motion detection sensor does not sense the foot ofa base runner in a proper position at said preferred stepping location;18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said motion detection activationmeans is an ultrawideband radar motion detection sensor;
 19. Theapparatus of claim 17 wherein said motion detection sensor is locatedbeneath said at least one base;
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 where saidmotion detection sensor is buried in the ground beneath said at leastone base.